Investigators in Abbotsford are considering arson as the cause of a barbecue fire yesterday (Monday) that resulted in a 46-year-old man being airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
Const. Ian MacDonald said the man was related to people in the home in the 3400 block of Promontory Court but did not live there himself. MacDonald did not reveal the nature of the relationship.
He said other people in the home at the time of the incident included three children – ages 8, 15 and 18 – and their mom.
A neighbour reported seeing a fire to part of the home and to the barbecue located on the back patio at about 1 p.m.
When emergency crews arrived, they found the man collapsed on the front lawn. He was airlifted to hospital, where emergency surgery was performed.
MacDonald said the man is now in a medically induced coma to treat his burns, but he could be facing charges in the future.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed.
Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service and the Abbotsford Police Department are continuing to investigate.